Chapter 10 – Worksite safety

Publisher Summary General safety covers a lot of territory. It starts from the time one gets into the company vehicle and carries right through till the end of the day. Much of the general safety recommendations involve the use of common sense. Many construction workers are given company trucks for their use in getting to and from jobs. If one will be driving the truck, take time to get used to handle it. Loaded work trucks do not drive like the family car. Remember to check the vehicle's fluids, tires, lights, and related equipment. Failure to check the vehicle's equipment could result in unwanted headaches. Also remember to use the seat belts; they do save lives. Clothing is responsible for a lot of on-the-job injuries. Sometimes it is the lack of clothing that causes the accidents, and there are many times when too much clothing creates the problem. Generally, it is wise not to wear loose-fitting clothes. Shirttails should be tucked in, and short-sleeve shirts are safer than long-sleeved shirts when operating some types of equipment. Tool safety is a big issue. Anyone in the trades will work with numerous tools. All of these tools are potentially dangerous, but some of them are especially hazardous.